STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
CAN I refuse to have a smart meter if my energy supplier offers me one? T. B., by email. YeS. Smart meters are not compulsory. the Government requires energy suppliers to offer them to all homes and small businesses across Great Britain by 2020, but you can say no. I HAVE tried to call BT on numerous occasions to apply for its basic landline and broadband deal. But each time I am either cut off or promised a callback I never get. Can I apply online? M. L., Shropshire. No — you must apply by phone. But Bt has promised to get someone to call you this week. they will talk you through whether the deal is right for you. You’ll then be sent a one-page application form in the post which you have two weeks to return. HOW can I check if I have a mistake in my National Insurance record and if I’m receiving the correct state pension? P. T., W. Yorks. NatIoNaL Insurance records are automatically updated based on information provided by employers. If you think your record is incomplete, contact the taxman who will try to trace any missing contributions. Check your record online at www.gov.
uk/check- state-pension or by calling hM Revenue & Customs on 0300 200 3500. I ORDERED a fridge and a freezer from Argos and was told that ordering both together would take three weeks. Strangely, if I ordered them separately I could get them the next day. The problem is I was charged twice for delivery. When Argos processed the refund, it promised to send a £10 gift voucher for the hassle. Six months on, I’m still waiting. G. W., Wirral. aRGoS says the double charge was down to a one-off system error. It apologises and has sent you your original voucher plus a further £10 for the delay. A NEIGHBOUR just sold her house. Can I find out how much it went for without asking my new neighbour? E. J., Pinner, Middlesex. a WeBSIte called nethouseprices.com lists the details of most house sales since 2000. or visit landregistry.gov.uk and pay £3 to buy the ‘registered title’. this should tell you who owns the property and how much they paid. Your neighbour will not be aware you have bought this information.